Dreaming of living in Bali? It may be possible with a seaside home for R600 000.
Bali has been getting steadily less affordable.
Expats from countries like Australia, Hong Kong, Germany and the United States have been driving up demand for property.
But in suburbs less infiltrated by tourists, South Africans can live the dream for as little as R600 000.
According to data released by Internations, Indonesia is ranked 8th out of 46 expat countries, a list that includes South Africa.
The country may not be the best place to find a job or raise a family, but it offers exceptional lifestyle value for young professionals or active retirees.
In Legian, buyers can get a one-bedroom flat for 699 million Indonesian Rupiah (roughly R632 000).
There are modest 2-bedroom flat sells for R585 000 in West Denpasar.
In Batubulan, a 3-bedroom home sells for R600 000.
Most options available to expats are leasehold agreements.
For example, the studio flat selling for R632 000 has a leasehold ending in 2043.
AreaHome TypeEntry-Level CostMengwiHouseR580 000Denpasar Barat (West)HouseR585 000GianyarHouseR585 000LegianFlatR633 000Denpasar Selatan (South)TownhouseR737 000
But you don’t need to buy a leasehold to live your Bali dream.
The country offers affordable rentals in luxury locations.
Rents range from R6 500 to R10 500 a month for studio and one-bedroom flats.
Seaside two-bedroom rentals in Jimbaran Bay start at R10 500.
The most affordable rentals are on Nusa Penida, an island off the coast of Indonesia, where monthly rent starts at R4 200.
But it’s only accessible by ferry.
A one-way ferry to the island costs R114 from Denpasar.
You can rent a one-bedroom villa in a countryside village for R6 300 a month.
AreaMax OccupantsStarting Price (30 days)Ungusan2R5 000Tabanan2R6 100Uluwatu2R6 600Bedugul2R6 900Pererenan2R7 900
But if you’re planning on spending any amount of time in Bali, accommodation isn’t your only expense.
You’ll need to meet a few basic needs.
In Denpasar, grocery prices are similar to South African prices.
But water can become a major expense.
Although you might buy water in South Africa because you don’t like the taste of tap water, drinking tap water in Bali is dangerous.
Some even suggest tourists and expats avoid using it to wash fruit.
ItemMinimum Monthly ExpenseGroceries / Eating OutR2 200TransportationR1 300Bottled WaterR2 800ActivitiesR4 000InsuranceR2 000
Total
R12 300
According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration and Correction, a retiree can reside in the country for 1 year on an E33F visa provided they meet the minimum documentation and financial requirements.
Those who intend to stay in the country for up to 60 days can get a D1 visa for R2 800.
South African tourists can also get a** B1 visa and travel to Indonesia for 30 days**, with the ability to extend by another 30 days.
South Africans can apply for a B1 visa on arrival for roughly R460.
